Day 1: Cusco - Urcos - Tinqui - Upis

We leave the imperial city of Cusco early and head east. We'll see magnificent and varied landscapes and pass through small, typical villages near Inca and pre-Inca archaeological sites.

In Tinqui (3850 m.a.s.l.), we'll meet the team of muleteers and cooks who will accompany us on our trek, as well as the animals that will carry all our camping equipment and personal clothing.

We begin our first day of hiking and ascend to the community of Upis (4400 m.a.s.l.). The surrounding landscape is typical of the puna region, where ichu (dry grass of the high Andean altitudes) and the wind will be our constant companions. The view of Ausangate is spectacular.

During the trek, and in the village of Upis, we will have the opportunity to meet local families who will show us some of their handcrafted textiles and explain the symbols included in these works, which are related to nature and Andean beliefs. Discovering the customs and traditions of the people who lived during the time of the Incas is the highlight of the tour.

In Upis, you can also relax in the natural hot springs.

Transportation time: 4 hours

Hiking time: 6 hours

Day 2: Upis - Arapa Pass - Ausangate Extreme Pass - Ausangate Lagoon

We begin our trek along the coast, under the watchful gaze of the majestic Apu, Ausangate. We appreciate the beauty and power of this southern part of the Andes. Reaching the Arapa Pass (4800 m.a.s.l.), we are rewarded with a magnificent view over this mountainous region. Descending to the other side of the pass, we passed numerous lagoons, each more beautiful than the last. After our picnic, we climbed back up to the Ausangate Pass (4850 m.a.s.l.), then reached another lake: Laguna Ausangate, where we camped.

Weather: Cold

Hiking time: 7 hours

Day 3: Laguna Ausangate - Palomani Pass - Jampa

This day is both the most beautiful and the most challenging of the expedition: we began our ascent to the highest point of our trek, the Palomani Pass (5200 m.a.s.l.), where we were rewarded for our efforts with an exceptional view of the glaciers and Apu Ausangate.

We then descended into the Pampa Finaya valley and finally to Jampa (4700 m.a.s.l.), our campsite.

Hiking time: 8 hours

 

Day 4: Jampa - Campa Pass - Pacchanta

A new challenge awaits us today: the Campa Pass (5100 m.a.s.l.). We hike through beautiful Andean landscapes, where llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas graze peacefully amidst the glaciers, watched over by the spectacular snow-capped Colquecruz mountain.

We then pass by several beautiful lagoons before arriving at the community of Pacchanta (4350 m.a.s.l.), where we will set up camp and relax our tired muscles in natural hot springs. Finally, we will end this magnificent day with a traditional dinner.

Hiking time: 8 hours

Day 5: Pacchanta - Tinqui - Cusco

After breakfast, we continue at a leisurely pace to the town of Tinqui (3900 m.a.s.l.), the end of this superb trek. We'll take our vehicle back to Cusco. On the way, we'll stop in Tipon or Saylla, where we'll have the opportunity to try a typical dish from this region: cuy (Andean guinea pig) or chicharrón (made with pork).

Hiking time: 3 hours

Transportation time: 4 hours

Price per person, based on groups of 2 or more

 

Includes:

- Local transportation Cusco - Tinqui

- Return transportation Tinqui - Cusco by local transport

- Entrance fee to Ausangate National Park

- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish, English, and French)

- Professional camping equipment (professional tents with table and chairs, bathroom, and sleeping mat)

- Meals during the excursion (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and vegetarian option)

- Cooks and assistants

- Horsemen and mules for all our camping equipment and personal luggage (maximum 8 kg)

- Rescue mule (minimum 2 people)

- First-aid kit and oxygen bottle

Not included:

 

-Breakfast on the first day

-Sleeping bag (if you don't have one, we have them available for rent)

 

What you need to bring:

-Backpack with a rain poncho

-Sleeping bag

-Cold weather gear such as a waterproof jacket

-Rain pants and lightweight pants

-Hiking boots

-Sneakers or sandals and a swimsuit (for showers and hot springs)

-Wool or synthetic socks

-Short and long-sleeved shirts

-Rain poncho and hat

-Sunscreen

-Insect repellent

-Hand sanitizer

-Toilet paper

-Water bottles and sanitizing tablets

-Camera

-Flashlight

-Snacks such as chocolate and nuts

-Original passport

-Original student ID

-Additional cash in soles

 

The weather can be quite cold and wet; in this case, your wet clothes won't last long enough to keep you dry. Dry off. Bring spare clothes.